Lesson Title: Bat and Run

Subject Areas/ Skills Covered: Baseball/ Softball, striking, running bases, fielding

Objectives: Students will be able to hit a ball off a stationary tee.  Students will understand the concept of running bases.  Students will demonstrate fielding skills when playing defense.  Students will demonstrate teamwork and sportsmanship during the game.

Equipment: Open space (playing field), 4 sets of 3 cones (to be used as bases), 4 batting tees, 4 cones (used to protect the students waiting to bat), 4 baseball/ softballs

Lesson:
The teacher will separate the class into two equal teams.  The batting team will line up in groups of 3 or 4 behind the batting tees.  While waiting for a turn a batter should stand in line behind the cone next to the tee for safety.  The fielding team will stand on the end line opposite the batters.

GENERAL RULES:

1. The first batters from the batting team will step forward and get ready to hit.  All 4 batters will hit at the same time when the teacher gives permission.  If a batter hits the ball out of turn, they are automatically "out" and may not score any points.  After hitting the ball, the batters will run the bases (they are directly in front of each tee), then turn around a cone at the end of the base line and run back next to the bases to the tee.  The batter receives one point for every base touched and a bonus point if they can make it back to the tee (4 points total for a "homerun".
2. The fielding team is spread out on the end line outside the field.  When the balls are hit, the fielding team move to get the balls and place them on the end line (where the fielders started).  When all the balls are on the end line, the fielders will yell "stop" and the batters will be out. 
3. When all the batters have had one turn, the teams will switch places and continue the game.  The game will continue as long as there is time available.

From: S. Monroe